(Feb 19): Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte does not plan to attend his pre-trial hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) set for next week, saying he is physically unfit to follow the legal proceedings. I wish for this Court to respect my peace inside the cell it has placed me. Duterte said he does not wish to follow next week’s proceedings from outside the courtroom through the use of technology either. The ex-leader made the request on the same day that his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, said that she will run for the Philippine presidency, declaring her plan years ahead of the next election in 2028. The vice president made the announcement amid a deepening feud with Marcos and fresh impeachment attempts against her.

Source: The Edge Markets February 19, 2026 04:53 UTC